I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: Knees and elbows are weapons. They’re bony, and can inflict a lot of pain when aimed correctly. Today, I found a Krav Maga video that shows you how to use knee strikes combined with a proper grip on your attacker. Watch it, and then I’ll tell you what I like and don’t like about this video.
First, here’s what I like:
- Good, solid, strong knee attacks to a variety of soft targets.
- Solid grips. You’re not grabbing the clothing. You’re grabbing the attacker’s flesh. (Have someone grab you in those places. It doesn’t feel good.)
- The teacher stresses movement and situational awareness. (Keep the second assailant away by using the first assailant as a shield. Know where attacker #2 is.)
- The “victim” doesn’t turn her back to the attacker. (When he comes in from the side.)
- The instructor emphsizes getting away to get help. (I have to say that I probably would kick/knee the attacker in the head, before leaving, since he’s bent over. I want him disabled.)
What I don’t like:
- If two people are attacking you, what are the odds that attacker #1 (your initial assailant) is going to stand there and watch you deal with attacker #2?
- What are the odds that in a live fight a smaller person (female or male) will be able to move assailant #1 around, thereby using them as a shield?
These are the questions you should be asking WHILE you practice this. And, when you practice this, make sure that your partner is larger and heavier than you. Start slowly, like in the video, but then have your partner fight back, i.e., your partner isn’t there to make hitting him/her easy. If you can’t move them around like this video demonstrates, then you’re going to need to figure out a work-around technique.
It’s possible that after several knee strikes the assailant is worn down, and easier to move, but you’re going to have to practice live for you to know. It’s also possible that you’ll have the element of surprise on your side (momentarily) because the assailant doesn’t expect you to attack.
It’s important to know several different techniques, so that you can find what will work in a variety of situations. I like to think of it as plan A, B, C, etc. You also need to understand that you’re going to get hurt. You’re going to have bruises. No partner should intentionally hurt you, but to believe that you’ll never get hit, or hurt, during practice is unrealistic. And, yeah, that kind of sucks. But, you’re training for a real attack, so you want your practice to be as realistic as possible.
I don’t believe the above video sets up a realistic situation for a two person attack. And, I don’t want you getting a false sense of confidence from this video, but the emphasis on knees, gripping, situational awareness, movement, and getting away, are important and useful.
Go train.
Note: As with every technique I post, 1) you need to practice with a willing adult participant, 2) I don’t endorse any of the sites or teachers, and 3) you need to be aware of and know the self-defense laws in your state. The purpose of these posts is to provide you with information about techniques I would use in certain situations. If you really want to become an expert in self-defense, then you need to find a dojang or dojo. If you have questions about how to identify a good dojang or dojo, post your questions in the comments.